Crayon batik

Can you tell me how?

Karen, Queen of Squishies

Now that sounds like big fun. Details, we want details. Polly

Yes, I can tell you how, and it is easy.

You will need:

1. Bucket of old crayons (preferably not the soy ones), divided by color.

1. Unprinted fabric, white or light color.

2. Old el cheapo picture frame, size dependent upon what size image you're making.

1. Pencil or fabric marker that washes out.

2. Electric Skillet from garage sale - be sure it works.

1. Muffin tin from garage sale, be sure it will fit in the electric skillet! You will also need at least one paintbrush per color of crayon. When working in middle school classrooms, I use three brushes per color.

2. Iron from garage sale - be sure it works

1. LOTS of newspaper.

2. Water

1. Kool-Aid of desired color.

Directions:

Cut fabric to desired size. Use pencil or fabric marker to draw design on the fabric.

Place one color of crayon in each section of the muffin tin. Place muffin tin in the skillet, add water to just below the top of the muffin tin. Turn skillet on about 200 degrees or so.

While the crayons are melting, attach the fabric to the picture frame with the design over the open space in the middle. Use paintbrushes to apply melted crayon to the design on the fabric.

When cold, remove the fabric from the frame and wad it up once to crackle the crayon.

Use some of those 5qt. ice cream buckets and dissolve two or three packets unsweetened koolaid per bucket. Dip fabric into the desired color bucket to dye the fabric. Remove to stack of newsprint.

Place two sheets of newsprint over the crayon design. Iron over the crayon design to remelt the wax, which will be absorbed by the paper. You will need a LOT of newsprint for this, and it does take patience. When most of the wax has been removed, wash with soap and hang to dry. The COLOR from the batik will be left, but most of the wax will be removed. It's very messy, but a lot of fun and great success with kids.

L